Scramble for goods as Malappuram relaxes lockdown norms

The day-long leisure of lockdown norms on Friday made individuals scramble for provides in retailers in several components of the district. Some cities witnessed site visitors jams as individuals got here out in bikes, vehicles, autorickshaws and mini-vans. The district witnessed a purchasing spree as individuals went about amassing varied objects, together with footwear, cell phone equipment, textiles, residence home equipment, stationery and {hardware}, in a rush. Many parked their autos by the roadside, resulting in congestion in cities.

Particularly affected was Manjeri city, the place the doorway to the Government Medical College was blocked for fairly some time, following site visitors jams. “This rush is a testimony to people’s frustration. Apparently they do not fear the spread of COVID-19 as they ought to,” mentioned Mohammed Aslam, a faculty trainer who got here out to purchase stationery objects.

The police too appeared confused as individuals poured out in massive numbers for “valid reasons”. Shops providing restore of assorted objects, together with cellphones, computer systems, electronics, eyewear and {hardware}, have been open. “Almost everyone is coming out with a plausible reason. Sometimes we get confused when hundreds of vehicles pour into the town in the guise of lockdown relaxations,” mentioned a police officer on automobile checking obligation right here.

District Police Chief Sujith Das S. mentioned it was robust to implement a relaxed lockdown. “When there is a complete lockdown, it is easy to implement. Our job becomes really tough when there is relaxation to the restrictions,” he mentioned.

Long queues of individuals have been seen in entrance of vaccination centres within the district. Introduction of spot registration for COVID-19 vaccine made individuals rush for the jabs, leading to site visitors jams and crowds on the roads.